CHEMICAL AGENT USED IN MRls MAY CAUSE SERIOUS AND FATAL SIDE EFFECTS
The techniques of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) have become important tools to help physicians visualize the internal structure and function of the body. These devices use an electromagnetic field that create images that can depict virtually every part of the body, such techniques are particularly useful for the imaging of neurological conditions, to review disorders of the muscles and joints, to evaluate tumors, and to show abnormalities in the heart and blood vessels. Such techniques often rely on certain chemicals called “contrast agents” that are injected intravenously to enhance the appearance of blood vessels, tumors or inflammation. With joint imaging, contrast agents maybe injected directly into the affected joint.
One of the most common types of contrast agents is called “Gadolinium.” This type of agent tends to accumulate in abnormal body tissues and provides a greater contrast between normal and diseased tissue, which allows a physician to more effectively locate abnormalities such as tumors and other disease conditions. Unfortunately, some people have suffered serious syndromes that have been linked to the use of Gadolinium. These are known as “Nephronic Systemic Fibrosis” (“NSF”) or “Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (“NFD”). Generally, fibrosis is the formation or development of excessive fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue.
People with these syndromes may experience large areas of hardened tissue in their skin, joints, eyes and internal organs. These conditions are chronic, incurable and worsen over time. They may involve facial swelling, various skin conditions (e.g., rashes, itching and hives), joint immobility, impaired kidney function, and in the most severe cases, thickening of the diaphragm and lung vessels, which leads to restricted breathing that has proven to be fatal.
At the present time, there is no known reliable treatment for NSF or NSD. In May 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) required manufacturers of Gadolinium to include extensive warning information in the literature for and in the packages of this chemical. FDA reports indicate that the negative side effects of Gadolinium can occur after only a single injection.
Common symptoms include tightening, swelling or a hardening of the skin, patches on the skin that appear dark or reddened, pain in the hips or ribs, or joint stiffness. If you or someone you know has been exposed to Gadolinium and suffers from any of these side effects, please contact our law offices. We will be prepared to discuss your situation and give you an understanding of what your rights may be, as well as any potential means to be compensated foryour condition.
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